Jake’s POV

We only made it halfway though our lunch, I totally blame Aaron. The way he ate his fettuccini alfredo made it had to do anything other than want to have his mouth sucking my cock. So I did one better. I went around to his side of the island, got on my knees and sucked on him like he was doing his pasta. He tried to stop me but once I licked his slit a couple of times he just buried his hands in my hair and let my get him off in the kitchen. I love the way he tastes.

Once I finished it was his turn. He dipped his spoon into his alfredo sauce then dribbled it down my chest and proceeded to lick me clean. I love his mouth. I had to lean against the island as he took his time licking the sauce from my nipples. I buried a hand in his hair and tugged. He looks up at me, his eyes feral and dominating. He turns me around and plunged into me, biting my shoulder. God it felt good. He pounds into me, the vibrations from his thrusts causing the water to shake in our glasses. My moans rise above the smacking of his hips on my reddening ass. I’m not gonna be able to sit for a couple of days…and I’m completely fine with that. I tighten around him and feel his thrust harder into me, possessing me. I love this man.

Aaron’s hand comes around to stroke me, his head against my back. My head falls forward and I squeeze tighter, “Come for me Jacob,” he says, his voice resonating through my body. I release at his command, spilling all over the side of the island. I lean heavily against the island, Aaron’s body pressed against me as I feel more of him spill inside me. After a few minutes he pulls out and kisses my back. I stand up straight and turn around and take him in my arms, kissing him soundly.

“There’s gonna be a lot of cleaning to do,” I say when we part. Aaron smiles.

“Let’s get a shower first, then we’ll clean up.”

Cleaning up proves to be just as entertaining as eating, especially when Aaron does it in the buff.  I had to restrain myself from taking him in the kitchen when I came in from cleaning up the floor in the living room. I decided to take him over the back of the sofa.

We come out of the kitchen and I wrap him up form behind guiding him to the back of the sofa. I lean over and retrieve the lube and put some on me fingers while keeping my hips pressed against his ass. He shifts against me and I leak on his back. I slide my fingers inside and prep him quickly. As many times as we’ve done it today I still want more. I tease his spot ‘til he squeezes around my fingers and he shouts when I truly enter him.

“How do you want it,” I growl into his ear.

“Hard,” he answers. That’s what my love wants, that’s what he gets. I drive into him hard enough to start moving the sofa with my thrusts. I kiss the back of his neck before taking his flesh between my teeth. His body shudders as I pinch his skin. I reach around and take his length in my hand and pump him to completion. I love the way he sounds when he comes, feeling his body contract around me brings me over. I keep myself buried inside him as long as possible, my breathing hard. Aaron spasms around me and I can’t help but thrust a couple more times before pulling out of him. I pull Aaron up against me and lean my head against his.

“I love you Jacob.”

“I love you too Aaron.”

We clean up the sofa then take a quick shower before collapsing into bed. He comes atop me and I hold him as we drift off to sleep. What a day.

 

Aaron’s POV

I'm sitting in the chair facing the door reading when I look at the door. I smile and think about that day I couldn’t wait for him to even make it to the sofa before I took him. The next day much of my body protested the activities I put it through. I stayed in bed unless I absolutely had to get up. Jacob called me later that day to see how I was fairing. He had quite a time at his training session and his fellow team mates had a ball teasing him. He sounded sad when he told me he was working late and he wouldn’t be able to come over. He knew we weren’t in any condition to do anything but he still wanted to be near me even if it meant just lying together. He’s so sweet.

I look over at the clock, its dim green color displaying three-oh-two to me. Jacob will be done with school for the day soon. I’d like to see him today but he has work. It’s his senior year so I’m sure he’s occupied with all kinds of things. I’ll have to think of something to give him for graduation. My thoughts change to how his graduation will go. He’ll tell his parents the one secret he’s kept from them all these years. It will really devastate him. He cares about his parents so much, but he knows that he can’t hide this forever. Jacob will still have the support of his siblings, but it will take time to get over the fact that his parents will come to hate him. I close my eyes and shake my head. There isn’t anything I can do that will ease that pain. I don’t want to see Jacob suffer. He’s done everything a son can do to make his parents proud of him, but when he tells them that he’s in love with another man, he’ll be the most vile creature they’ve ever laid eyes on. They won’t see him as their flesh and blood, but as some stranger that’s been living with them for eighteen years. That should not have to happen to such a wonderful person. Tears sting my eyes and a pain fills me to know that my love is going to be hurt and I can’t do anything to prevent it.

My phone rings startling me out of my sadness. I wipe my eyes as I push the ‘talk’ button, “Hello?”

“Aaron, hey it’s me Andrew.”

“Hello Andrew, how are you?”

“I’m fine thanks. Listen, I’ve noticed Jake’s been a little bogged down with stuff since it’s his senior year and I’m planning a party for him. The only problem is I just got assigned to a case and I don’t have time to find a band. Do you think you could help me out?”

“Sure I can do that.”

“Cool. I’m thinking the middle of next month. It’ll still be warm enough to have it outside and since I’ve got the space I might as well use it.”

“I’m sure Jacob will love it.”

“I’ll probably throw another one for him closer to graduation too.”

I hesitated for a split second when Andres said the word graduation, “…I’m sure he’d love that as well.”

“Somethin’ wrong Aaron? You didn’t sound like yourself just then.”

I let out a breath, “I was thinking about Jacob’s graduation when you called.”

“Yeah, I want him to at least have something good to remember about his senior year before he comes out to our parents.”

“It’s going to hurt him tremendously.”

“I know. He really cares about them. But he’s not one to keep things from them and this is the only thing he’s kept from them. I know it’s been gnawing at the back of his brain ever since the relationship started. He’s honest to a fault.”

“I just wish there was something I could do for him.”

“The only thing any of us will be able to do is just be there for him,” Andrew says, his voice sounding heavy, “There have been a few times that I thought it’d be better if he never tells them, but he’s not like that. Jake knows the truth hurts at times.”

“And this will really hurt.”

“Yeah, and not just him either. Amber may unfortunately get to see a side of our parents she really should never see.”

“Have your parents always been like this?”

“Yeah. They worked with groups to deny civil rights and what not for homosexuals in the past. I was told by one of our aunts that they met at an anti-gay meeting when they were in college.”

“Oh shit.”

“That’s what I said. And the really bad thing is that they’re still friends with several people from back then.”

“So they would be damaged in the eyes of their peers if it came to light that one of their own children turned out to be the thing they hate most.”

“Basically. I really hate to admit it, but we’ve got some superficial parents. They would rather deny the existence of one of their own than to accept him for who he is. I’m ashamed to say they’re my folks when I think about how they’re going to treat Jake after graduation.”

I sigh quietly. It’s time for a subject change, “I’ll get to work on finding a band. I’m sure Jacob will love the distraction from the hectic life that is senior year.”

“You really do love my little brother don’t you.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because you’re the only one that will constantly call him Jacob…And you’re the only person he likes calling him that.”

I smile, “I love your brother very much Andrew.”

“Thanks.”

“It’s no problem. I’m glad that I can help.”

“I don’t mean about the party. I mean thank you for coming into his life. You’re the best thing that could have ever happened to him.”

Water pricks my eyes again, “You’re welcome.”

 

 

Jake’s POV

I sigh as I walk up to Aaron’s door. I really don’t like formal wear. It’s enough to get me in a suit and tie, but a tux? And seriously, I can do without all the flash photography. Why people want a picture of me in a penguin suit is beyond me. I stick my key in the door and open it to the welcome sight of Aaron resting on the sofa reading a book.

“Hey love,” he says closing the book and placing it on the coffee table, “Winter formal over so early?”

“It is for me and Ali. We only went ‘cause my mom was wondering about it,” I say taking off the jacket and hanging it on a hook next to Aaron’s jacket. I then undid the bowtie and placed it in the pocket of the jacket. I took off the vest and hung it on a hook beside the jacket and unbuttoned the shirt, “This is really too much stuff to put on just to be seen in,” I say taking off the shirt and hanging it up.

“But you do look quite handsome in a tux love,” Aaron replies watching me undress. I take off my shoes and then finally get out of these evil dress pants. I’m glad my jacket had tails or I’d have been hearing whistles and cat calls the entire time. I had my jacket off when we first arrived and I kept hearing whistles until I put it on. I folded the pants and place them over the arm of the sofa and sit down next to Aaron. He tugs my arm for me to lean against him. I rest my back at his stomach and rest my arms outside his legs. He wraps his arms around me in a loose hug.

“Let me know if I’m too heavy for you,” I say closing my eyes. It’s been a hellish week full of midterms and fittings for that stupid tux. Now all of that is behind and the holiday vacation can finally begin.

“You’re fine love. Besides I’m always resting on you.”

“And I like that too,” Aaron’s right hand comes up to play with my hair as I stroke his thigh with my fingertips.

“I figure why not let you rest against me sometime,” he says before kissing the top of my head, “You’ve had a hard week.”

“Tell me about it. Just five more months and it’s goodbye high school.”

“How has all of your scholarship work been coming along?”

“From what the councilor tells me I’ve got two scholarships already and five more are still going through their processes. Coach Morgansen says that a couple of schools are interested in me for track. Some even want me for football and ask him if I’d be interested in playing. He tells them that Coach Jones couldn’t get me on the field for four seasons how were they gonna be able to.”

“They just want your gorgeous bod,” Aaron says.

“I’ll pass. Never been one for all those pads.”

“I agree. It’s just too much to stand around in. The football coach at my high school talked me into coming on as a kicker and I could never get how or where all those pads were supposed to go.”

“You did sports too?”

“Yes, mainly cross country and soccer.”

“I knew you had to have done something.”

“How is that?”

“You’ve got a runner’s ass.”

“And you have the body of a god.”

I smile, “If I weren’t so worn out I’d get you to worship me.”

“That’s ok love. I know this year’s going to be tough since it’s the last.”

“Yeah and the worst is yet to come.”

“I know love, I know.”

“There’s not gonna be an easy way to break this to them.”

“Coming out to loved ones is often the hardest.”

“I…just can’t hide this forever ya know,” I say placing my hand over his on my chest, “They’ll start to wonder why Ali and me aren’t talkin’ about marriage and stuff. And it’s not fair to Ali either. I mean, she’s hiding her love because of me.”

“Love don’t go blaming yourself. Ali chose to help you because she cares about you.”

“And what’s gonna happen to Amber? It’ll cause problems when she’s not allowed to see me. I know she’s good at getting around them but after I tell them they’re for sure to keep her on a tight leash,”

“I’m sure Amber can handle it.”

I sigh, “I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t, aren’t I.”

“Oh love, I wish there was something that I could say to make this easier.”

“I wish this was going to be easy. Why can’t they accept this part of me> I’m still their son. It shouldn’t matter who I love, right?”

“I know it shouldn’t matter Jacob, but some people can’t get past that. Unfortunately your parents happen to be such people.”

“Yeah, and I hate it.”

Aaron kisses the top of my head again, “What time are you expected back?”

“The dance doesn’t end until one so I’m fine.”

“That’s good.”

“Yeah I’m glad to be out of that penguin suit.”

“What about prom?”

“Ali doesn’t want to go. She’s never had a thing for dresses or skirts. It’s also the same day as state so we’re gonna try our best to make state again so we’ve got an excuse to miss it.”

“You could always say that you don’t want to go.”

“Didn’t work with Drew. I don’t get why moms seem to think senior prom is a big deal.”

“They like to see their children dressed up and looking nice at least once while they’re in high school.”

“Isn’t winter formal enough?”

“Nope, it has to be prom.”

“…I really need to make it to state this year.”

 

 

“I’m glad track season is finally here,” Ali says coming up to me on the track.

“Yeah, just remember, we need to make it to state or we’ll have to suffer with prom.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me. I hate dresses.”

“At least you didn’t have to get fitted for a tux,” I say stretching my arms above my head.

“At least you were in a boutique for three hours trying on dresses,” Ali retorts.

“Hell, it took them an entire week to get that suit fitted so it wouldn’t rip whenever I moved,” I answer back, “And you probably didn’t have a tailor trying to hook up with you while taking your measurements.”

“I had a chick trying to make my tits sit at my freakin’ throat.”

“At least she wasn’t copin’ a feel between your legs,” I mutter shaking my arms out.

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah, he was measuring my inside leg when another tailor asked me if I wanted to wear a vest or a cummerbund and he got me when I wasn’t looking at him in the mirror.”

“And you didn’t tell him that a guy already gets to play with that?”

“Mom was there.”

“Oh, damn. You win Jakie.”

“Alright people get your lap in then head off to your primary field event,” speaks Coach Morgansen, “Tervan, over here a second.”

I head over to our head track and field coach, “What’s up coach?”

“Winston City State’s been checkin’ you out the last two seasons. They’re ready to make you an offer.”

“Cool, what are they puttin’ on the table?”

“A full ride.”

“Seriously?”

Coach nods his head, “They’re looking to strengthen their track program and since you’re ranked in the top five they’re willing to do whatever they can to get you.”

“Anyone else?”

“There’s Northern and Allenburg, but they aren’t puttin’ down near as much as Winston.”

“They do have a good art program there.”

“Talk it over with your folks then get back to me tomorrow.”

“Sure thing,” I say. Hell yeah, a full ride!

“Good. Get your lap in.”

I do my lap and head up to the shot and disc pit. I’m ecstatic, a full ride and extra scholarship money to boot. This is turning out to be a good semester. I can’t turn down an offer like that. I know my parents will be happy for me. I'm happy that I won’t have to rely on them for college. If I did, I wouldn’t be able to tell them. I had been really stressed about telling them mainly because I want to go to college, but now that it’s all taken care of I feel relieved. There is also the money that Andrew gave Aaron to invest but I don’t want to touch that unless I absolutely have to. Besides, I don’t even know how much is actually there. When I get to the pit I tell Ali the news and she hugs me. Yes, I’m glad that track season has started.

 

 

Three days after state Andrew threw me another party. This was really cool since I won both shot and discus. Sagie placed third in disc and Ali won disc by an eight of an inch. We were too excited to deal with the fussiness of prom and our parents didn’t seem to mind since we did such a good job. Mission accomplished.

I sit in my room and look at the plaque that I got from the state for winning both events. Today’s graduation day; the day all of this comes to a head. Amber had snagged all my awards telling mom that she was making a keepsake box for me. She knows that once I tell them mom will probably throw everything in here away. I have no clue how she managed to pull that off. I’m generally a light sleeper, except on the nights that I see Aaron. I am so glad that’s never happened again. My mom of all people walking in like that. I still get embarrassed thinking about it. But I guess that’s all in the past now. Come later tonight I’ll probably never see the inside of this room or this house again. I look around at the dark blue walls, the off white ceiling, the dark green rug over the hardwood floor. I’ll never see these things again once I leave here today.

A knock on my door takes me out of my thoughts, mom open the door, “What time do you need to be at the school Jacob?”

“Two thirty,” I answer.

“It’s almost time for you to be on your way.”

I stand up and grab my jacket from the back of my chair. Mom comes up to me and straightens my tie, then smiles. My chest starts to feel tight, “I just want you to know Jacob that we’re very proud of you.”

“Thanks mom,” I say, my chest feels tighter.

She brushes her hand through my hair the same way she did on my first day of school. I’m surprised that I even remember that, but she’s giving me the same smile she did all those years ago. I give her a hug. It’ll probably be the last one I give her as her son. I squeeze my eyes tight to keep myself from crying.

“I should get going,” I manage to get out. She lets me go and nods. I step around her and out my bedroom door. Dad and Amber are in the living room when I come downstairs. Amber jumps up from the sofa and comes over to hug me.

“I’ll be yelling extra loud for you and Ali,” she says.

“I’m sure we’ll hear it shrimp,” I say.

“We’ll catch up to you after the ceremony son,” dad says coming over to us, “I’m proud of you son, but I’m sure your mother’s already told you that.”

I give a tight smile, my chest hurts even more now, “Yeah dad.”

“I’m proud of you too Jakie.”

“Thanks guys,” I say, “I need to be heading out now.”

“We’ll see you later.”

I nod and head out the door.

 

 

I get to school and find Ali and Furie waiting for me outside in the parking lot. As soon as I get out of my truck Ali hugs me.

“Jakie, are you havin’ seconds thoughts?” she asks when we part.

I try to answer her but my voice won’t let me. I shake my head. She takes my hand and gives it a squeeze.

“It’ll be ok Jake.”

We walk inside and get caught up in the mass of seniors, teachers, and parents getting ready for the ceremony. Amid the hustle and bustle I feel my phone vibrate. I pull it out of my pocket and see there’s a text message from Aaron. He had to go out of town a few days earlier and wouldn’t be back until after the ceremony. His message reads, ‘Congratulations. I love you.’ I find a wall to lean against and text him back, ‘Thanks. I love you too.’  Soon all of the seniors are rounded up and herded into the gym to get last minute instructions and some last words form Mr. Nikas. He’s a great guy. Those two would be great together, even if Raime tries to deny it.

 

At last, I’m free of West Giliam High School. No more long ceremonies for another four years. At least I’ll have the option of attending graduation when I go to Winston City State. Right now all that goes on the back burner. The most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do in my life up ‘til now will take place when I arrive home. The seniors hung around in the gym for one last time before parting ways. I took my time going to my truck, sitting there for a good half an hour before starting my starting the engine. My chest starts to feel tight again as I think about earlier today. I feel my eyes start to fill with water and I squeeze them shut. I take several deep breaths, then I drive out of the half empty parking lot to my home for the last time.

I pull into the driveway and turn off the engine. I take a deep breath and get out of the truck. My heart is racing. Flashes of doubt come into my mind, ludicrous thoughts that my parents will surprise me and tell me they accept me dance in my head as I slowly make my way up the walk to the steps. The door is open and I can hear them talking in the living room. Panic fills me as I reach the next to last step before coming onto the porch. I want to turn around and just leave, but mom sees me and smiles. I can’t leave, I have to tell them.

I step onto the porch slowly. Two strides and now I’m at the screen door. I open it and step inside. They’re both smiling at me. I can’t smile back. Mom notices something’s wrong.

“Jacob, what’s wrong?”

I take a breath, “Mom, dad, there’s something I…need to tell you.”

“What is it son?” dad asks.

“…I’ve been keeping something from the two of you. Something major.”

“How major,” mom says, her voice starting to take on an edge.

“Really major. It’s something that I’ve been keeping from you for years now.”

“Tell us son,” dad says, “We’re listening.”

I close my eyes and take a breath and let it out slowly before opening my eyes again, “I’m gay.”

The silence is such that I can hear my heart beating in my chest. They are looking at me, surprise and shock playing over both their faces.

“Jacob,” mom says as calmly as she can, “I want you to explain yourself right now young man.”

“There’s…not much to explain mom. I’m gay. I’ve known this for a while.”

“Son, this isn’t something you should joke about,” dad says standing up and coming to mom’s side.

“I’m sorry dad, I’m not joking.”

“Who did this to you? Was it that boy Aaron?” mom asks her voice getting harsher, “I knew he had no business being around you at that age!”

“Mom…”

“Did he put his hands on you? Did he make you do things to him?”

“Mom no, Aaron didn’t do anything to me…except love me.”

“That…creature did do something to you didn’t he!”

“Mom, no. I knew I was gay before I even met Aaron.”

“That’s a lie!”

“No, it’s not.”

“What about Alison? You’re her boyfriend,” dad speaks up.

“Ali knows I'm gay. We came out to each other when we were fourteen.”

“FOURTEEN! How could you possibly know anything at that age!” mom yells, “You’ve been hanging around that boy and he’s been filling your head with all kinds of demonic things!”

“Aaron has done nothing like that. Mom I’m telling you the truth. I’ve known long before Aaron moved here.”

“He’s poisoned you, made you think you’re one of those…homosexuals.”

“I’m telling you two that I knew before I met Aaron,” I say, “The only thing Aaron had done is fall in love with me, and I with him.”

“You…love…him,” dad speaks as if the words are foreign, “You…love another…man?”

“Yes dad. I love Aaron. I’ve loved him ever since I first met him.”

“It was that night,” mom says, “the one of that storm, when you stayed over there. He did something to you.”

“No mom, he didn’t do anything to me. If anything I wanted to do things to him.”

There’s a pause, the realization sets in in mom’s mind that I’m telling the truth. Anger seeps into every inch of her face, “How dare you, you creature. How dare you live in this house!”

I look at dad, he shakes his head at me, “No son of mine will lie with another man.”

“Dad…”

“No son of mine would do such a disgusting thing.”

“What’s wrong about loving another man?”

“YOU’RE NOT A WOMAN! I DID NOT RAISE YOU TO LOVE OTHER MEN!” mom yells, “AND YOU COME INTO THIS HOUSE WITH THOSE VILE NOTIONS AND EXPOSE THEM TO AMBER!”

“I’m still the same person m-,”

“DON’T YOU DARE CALL ME THAT! NO PERSON THAT LIES WITH OTHER MEN HAS THE RIGHT TO CALL ME THAT!”

Dad’s face is stern and cold. He looks at me like I’m a stranger that’s walked into their house, “Get out of our house,” he says low.

“Dad…”

“GET OUT OF OUR HOUSE YOU…FILTHY BEAST!” mom shouts.

 

  

Amber’s POV

I can’t help but hear the yelling that’s taking place in the living room. By instinct I go into Jake’s room and crawl into his bed. I know what’s going to happen; they were gonna throw him out. I didn’t see what the big deal was. So he likes guys, big whoo. I was kinda mad at him for a little bit for not telling me sooner. He was seeing Aaron for a good two years before I came across them at the museum. Jake had said that he and Ali were goin’ to check out the Rodin works that were on display. I’ve got a couple of artsy friends so we went to the exhibit as well. I was kinda surprised to see Aaron there and Ali no where in sight. I don’t know how my friends thought that they were havin’ a guys night out, but I let them think that. I was glad when they said they had to leave and I told them I would catch a ride with my brother. I cornered them at ‘The Thinker’ and asked them what the deal was. We went to a quieter area outside and that’s when Jake told me about him and Aaron. I’m glad that my brother found someone to love. He’s a great guy who’s always there to help a friend. He’s real good friends with my boyfriend’s older brother Sage. And he’s immensely popular at his school. Everyone likes him; everyone, except our parents now. I’ve never heard them be this vocal when one of us got into trouble, and that was usually me.

I get up from his bed. I’m gonna put my two cents in on this conversation whether they like it or not. I get halfway down the stairs when I hear mom shouting.

“GET OUT OF OUR HOUSE YOU…FILTHY BEAST!”

My heart stopped. Before I knew it I was down the stairs and in to the living room grabbing hold of Jake as tight as I could. He hugs me back before I feel them pull me away from him. I struggle with them but dad’s got a good hold on me.

“KEEP YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF OUR DAUGHTER!” mom yells. Then she does something that she’s never done to any of us; she slaps him. I look at Jake. I’ve never seen him look so shocked and hurt before. Even he can’t believe she did that. Yeah, our mom can get mad with the best of them, but she’s never hit us. The look she gives us before she starts yelling is enough for us. I start crying.

“Let go of me!” I say trying to pull dad’s hands off my arms. My tears are blurring my vision.

“What’s goin’ on in here? I can hear you all yelling from the walkway.”

It’s Andrew, “Andy! Tell them to let me go!”

“Dad, mom, what’s the deal?”

“Andrew, I want you to arrest that person right there,” mom says pointing a finger at Jake, “He’s trespassing on private property.”

“Mom, he’s your son. He can’t be trespassing if he’s lived here all his life.”

“He’s not our son,” dad says, “Not anymore.”

I stop struggling to look at him in shock, “What?”

He looks down at me, “You heard me Amber, he’s not our son and he’s not your brother.”

“He stopped being our son the moment he told us what he is,” mom says with a sneer on her face.

“Mom, what are you talking about?” Andrew says coming to stand in between Jake and us, looking back and forth at the parties involved. Tears are still pouring from my eyes as I look back at Jake.

“That beast lies down with other men,” she says, “And I’ll not have him in this house corrupting our daughter.”

“Jakie…”

“Stop calling that name young lady! It’s not welcome here,” she looks at Andrew, “Get that vile being out of this house right now Andrew Wesley.”

“Do as your mother says Andrew,” he speaks.

Andrew’s expression is unreadable. I watch as Andrew goes over to Jake and places a hand on his shoulder, “Come on Jake, let’s go.”

“And we’re going to file a restraining order against him as well,” she says.

Andrew looks back at her, “What?”

“I don’t want him coming anywhere near your sister.”

“Mom, don’t you think-,”

“Get him out of here now Andrew Wesley!”

Jake takes a step back from Andrew, his shock finally gone leaving only hurt behind, “It’s ok Drew, I’m leaving,” he says softly and turns around and walks out the door. I cry harder.

“No! Jakie come back!” I yell as the screen door closes and I struggle against my dad again, “JAAAAKIEEEE!” I hear his truck start up then fades as he pulls out of the driveway. I can’t believe they actually did it.

“He’s not welcome here anymore,” he says.

“Get your hands off me you bastard!” I scream. He’s shocked that such words came from me that he lost his grip and I run over to Andrew and hug his waist. His arm comes around my shoulders.

“That creature’s been feeding your brain with that garbage hasn’t he,” she says utterly surprised that I said that.

“Put a sock in it you bitch I picked this up myself,” I say at her.

“Amber Elizabeth! How dare you-,”

“How dare you throw out your own son! What has he ever done to you to deserve this, huh? I’ll tell you what, nothing! He’s kept himself out of trouble his whole life, he’s helpful and people trust him and the moment he tells you that he’s gay you treat him like he’s worse than the dirt beneath your feet! How fucking dare you!”

“Amber Elizabeth don’t you talk to your mother-,”

“Shut the fuck up! You’re no better than she is!”

“Amber Elizabeth, go to your room right now!” she says, the anger clearly evident on her face.

“Hell no I’m not staying here with you two assholes!”

“Alright everybody calm down,” Andrew says. The way he said it meant he was in ‘cop mode’, “I’m not going to guess what happened before I got here.”

“It started-,”

“I’m not finished dad,” he says. He catches on to Andrew’s ‘cop mode’ and goes silent, “Whatever happened couldn’t have been so extreme that you had to throw out your own son. Jake doesn’t have a record and he’s never done anything to make you two this angry with him that you’d want him out of the house. What did he do that’s got you two this upset?”

“We told you Andrew, that vile person lies with other men,” she says.

“So, you threw him out on what’s supposed to be one of the happiest days of his life because he told you he’s gay,” Andrew says, his face is like stone.

“We do not allow such things to take place in this house Andrew, you know that,” he says.

Andrew sighs, “Well, at least he’s an adult now so I can’t bring any kind of charges against you.”

“You wouldn’t dare Andrew Wesley,” that woman says.

“Had he been underage, I could have,” They go silent, “Look, it’s late and I’m sure your guys are all tired from everything that’s gone on today. We can talk about this tomorrow.”

“Are you saying that you condone his actions Andrew?” that man says.

“All I’m saying is that we can talk about this tomorrow when everyone’s had a chance to cool off.”

“Andy I’m stayin’ with you tonight. I don’t want to be here.”

“No you’re not young lady! You’re going to-,”

“Mom, stop. It’s ok if she stays over at my place tonight. It’ll help all three of you cool off better.”

That woman looks at him hard but doesn’t say anything.

“Oh, I almost forgot,” Andrew says reaching into his pocket and pulling out a piece of paper, “I was going to give you this,” he hands it to that woman. That woman looks at it and frowns, it was a check, “It’s for what’s left of what I owe on my house. Thanks guys.”

That man looks at the check too, then goes into the kitchen and comes back with a folded piece of paper and gives it to Andrew, “Here you go son.”

“Thanks dad.”

“Can we go now Andy?” I look up at him wiping my eyes.

“Sure Am,” he looks down at me and puts his hand on my head then looks at those two, “We can talk about what went on here tomorrow.”

We turn and leave them standing in their living room. We get into Andrew’s car and back out of the driveway. I don’t say anything until we get halfway to his house.

“I don’t want to go back there Andy,” I say quietly, “Not after what they did to Jakie.”

“It’s ok Am, you don’t have to talk about it now. We can do that tomorrow,” Andrew says. I lean on his shoulder the rest of the way there.

We get to his house and I head to my room. I sit down on my bed and replay everything that just happened in the last hour. I didn’t even notice Andrew come in until he sat down beside me on the bed.

“Go to sleep Am, I know you’re worn out.”

“I…still can’t…believe they did it…”

Andrew’s arm comes around me, “I know, neither can I. Get some sleep. We’ll talk about it in the morning.”

“I wanna see Jakie.”

“You can see him in the morning. I’m sure he needs some time right now as well.”

 

 

 

Aaron’s POV

I wonder if Jake will be coming over tonight. I told him that I would be back around nine tonight. I wish I could have been there. I’m taken from my thoughts as I hear a knock at my door. I get up from the sofa to open the door. The other side revealed my heartbroken Jacob, the side of his face baring a red print of someone’s hand, I’m guessing his mother’s. I pull him inside and hug him tightly. He knew that this day would come and I knew it would still hurt him no matter how much he steeled himself against their backlash.

After a while I get Jacob over to the sofa to sit. He leans his head into the crook of my neck as I wrap my arms around him again, his tears dampen my shirt. There isn’t anything I can say that will ease his pain.

“When they finally believed what I was saying, it was like…all of a sudden…I was a complete stranger to them,” he says into my shoulder after a time.

“Oh Jacob…”

He sits up and looks at me, his dreamy eyes now only full of pain, “Amber came in to the living room just as they were telling me to get out of the house. She hugged me before they could stop her. They…pulled her away from me….telling me...to keep my filthy hands…off their daughter…She started crying…”

“Jacob, love…” I hug him to me again.

“Andrew could hear them yelling that from outside the house. He came in and asked what was going on. They told him to arrest me for trespassing.” 

“Shhh love, it’s ok. You don’t have to tell me anymore.”

 

 

Jake’s POV:

“I could still hear her crying when I got to my truck,” I say as I pull away to wipe the tears from my face. I knew it would happen, but for some stupid reason I held onto that small ridiculous shred of hope that the outcome wouldn’t be what it was. I look into his ocean blues to find some bit of comfort. I’m so glad he’s in my life, even if it did cost me my parents. They really didn’t know me anyway, only the good, obedient son, so I guess I really am a stranger to them. Aaron brings his forehead to mine.

“I wish there was something I could do to take the pain away love.”

“…Just hold me…please…” I say softly as I lean back onto his shoulder. His arms come around me and I close my eyes.

 

 

“Jacob love,” I hear, “come on let’s get you to bed.”

I don’t remember dozing off but I must have. I open my eyes to see Aaron standing over me. I sit up and pull the blanket off of me. My eyes feel swollen from all the crying I did. I get up from the sofa and let Aaron lead me down the hallway to the bedroom. I’m pretty much on automatic reflex, my mind is numb with shock. We go into the bedroom and I sit down on the bed. Aaron strokes my cheek gently before settling at my feet. I can feel Aaron taking off my shoes and socks before coming up to remove my tie and unbutton my shirt. I feel him unbuckling my belt when think to get up and take off my pants. I crawl further onto the bed and lay on my side. A few moments later Aaron is at my back and hugging me at the waist. I take his hand in mine and bring it to my heart.  

 

 

I wake up the next morning hearing Aaron talking on the phone. I look over to see the clock showing eleven twenty-six. I look at Aaron as he places the phone back on its base.

“Morning love,” he says before placing a kiss on my forehead, “Do you feel like having some breakfast?” I shake my head and close my eyes as I roll over to lie on my back. His hand comes to my chest and I lay mine over it, “Andrew called last night while you were asleep wanting to know if you got over here ok. I told him you did and that you were resting. That was Amber on the phone just now. She wanted to come over, but I told her you were still asleep and you’d call her later. She said to give you a kiss on the forehead and tell you that she loves you.” 

There is a silence for a time, “…They…really did it…” I say absently, opening my eyes to look at the ceiling.

“I’m so sorry love.”

Tears filled my eyes again, “It…hurts Aaron.”

“Oh love,” I feel him lean down and kiss my hand, “I wish there was something I could do for you.”

“You’re here with me…that helps more than you know,” I look into his ocean blues, “I love you Aaron.”

“I love you too Jacob.”

The phone rings again and Aaron answers it. He looks in my direction and I shake my head. I don’t want to talk to anyone right now. I know they mean well and want to offer their support, but I rather just not see anyone other than Aaron for the time being. I wipe the tears from my eyes and sit up. I feel weak and drained from last night. Maybe eating something would help. I get up and walk to the kitchen while he talks to whoever it is on the phone. I open the refrigerator and take out a carton of orange juice. I pour some into a glass then put it back before sitting down at the island. I look at the liquid for a moment before turning it up and drinking it. It’s not long after I sit the glass down that I’m at the sink throwing it up. I feel Aaron’s hand rubbing small circles on my back as I’m looking at my first attempt to put something in my stomach swirl down the drain. He hands me a towel and I wipe my mouth.

“Go back to bed love. I’ll bring you some water,” he says quietly. I take his advice and head back to the bedroom. I don’t even bother with the covers as I lay down and stare at the ceiling again.

 

 

Sometime later I wake up again. I look over at the clock showing three-twelve to me. I get up and put on a pair of shorts with the intention of going into the living room but only manage to lie back down at the edge of the bed. I lay there on my side as I hear voices. I didn’t care; I hope Aaron sends whoever it is away. Luck was not on my side as I hear footsteps coming towards the bedroom. I manage to sit up just as Aaron peaks into the room.

“Your sister’s here love,” he says then Amber looks in behind him. One moment she was at the door and when I blink I feel her colliding with me on the bed hugging my neck, her curls tickle the side of my face.

“Jakie,” she says sniffling. I put an arm around her.

“Hey shrimp,” I say weakly.

“I miss you.”

I try to smile, “You saw me last night.”

“I don’t like them anymore. I never want to be around those bastards again,” she says into my shoulder fighting off tears.

“Am…”

She looks at me, “They had no right to do that to you. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“It’s ok Am, it was gonna happen sooner or later. It’s good that it’s out of the way now instead of later when there’s a lot of other stuff going on.”

“It’s not fair.”

“Life never really is fair shrimp.”

“I can’t believe they’d turn on you like that just because you like a guy. They’re assholes. I’m not stayin’ with them.”

“You have to Am, you’re not old enough to live on your own.”

“I’m gonna stay with Andy.”

“You know they won’t let you.”

“I don’t care! I don’t want to be anywhere near them! Not after the way they treated you.”

“I’ll be ok Am.”

Amber looks at me for a moment, “Jakie, you look pale. Are you sure you’re ok?”

“Last night kinda took more out of me than I thought. I’ve got Aaron lookin’ after me so I’m good.”

“Jakie don’t make yourself sick ‘cause of those two.”

“They’re still your parents Am.”

“No they’re not! Not after last night. As long as they say you aren’t their son then they aren’t my parents.”

“Amber-,”

“I mean it Jakie. Yeah they’re strict and all but that was just too much. Hell no, I want nothing to do with them.”

“You’re gonna have to go back there eventually.”

“We just came from there not too long ago. They’re still acting like asses.”

“Huh?”

“Me and Andy went back over there around one. That woman was in your room throwing your stuff into garbage bags. I was about to hit her when Andy stopped me. I went to my room and packed some stuff and told them I wasn’t staying there and we started arguing. Andy had to stop her from hitting me. That man said it was ok for me to stay with Andy for a while until things calm down. That woman didn’t like it but Andy didn’t give her a chance to say anything else about it. Andy tried talking about what went on before he got there but they wouldn’t say anything other than they were getting rid of the trash,” she hugs me again, “I hate those people.”

“Amber…”

“I hate them Jakie I do! How can a person do that to someone they raised for eighteen years?”

“I don’t know Am, I don’t know,” I say. She starts to shake and I feel drops on my shoulder. I hold her and let her cry. I hate that she had to see that last night. I hate it when she cries, and right now it’s partly my fault. I don’t notice Andrew in the room until I feel a hand on my head. Andrew always did that when either one of us were sad. I looked up him and tried to smile but still couldn’t, “So what all happened after I left?”

“Well, your sister had a few choice words for them, then I took her with me after I paid them the rest of their money for my place. Today mom and Amber were about to come to blows a couple of times so Amber’s gonna stay with me a while ‘til things calm down.”

“I wanna transfer to Miranda Andy,” she says turning to look at him.

“Amber they are not gonna let me be your guardian.”

“I don’t care what they want. I hate it at Central and Miranda’s got the best visual arts program in the county. Hell I take half of my classes there anyway. And it’s closer to your house. Please Andy, don’t make me go back there. Please.”

“I don’t think they’re gonna let you out of their sight too much right now with all that’s gone on,” I tell her.

“I don’t give a fuck about what they want,” she says looking back at me, “They didn’t care at all when they were hurting you so why should I give a fuck about them?”

“Am,” Andrew says.

“No!” she looks back at Andrew, “I will never forgive them for this! Andy please, get me out of there,” she pleads to him.

Andrew looks at her for a minute then sighs. He can’t stand to see her upset either, “I can’t promise anything, but I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thank you Andy,” she says taking his hand and giving it a squeeze.

 

 

It’s not too long after Amber and Andrew leave that there’s another knock on the door. I finally emerged from the bedroom and sat down on the sofa for a while and listen to music. Aaron gets up and answers the door. He steps back and the next thing I know my fire-haired friend has me in her arms squeezing me hard.

“Oh Jakie,” she says pulling back to get a look at me. Her topaz colored eyes filling with water.

“I’m ok Ali,” I say softly.

“You don’t look ok Jakie. Have you eaten anything today?”

I shake my head, “Nothing seems to want to stay down at the moment.”

“Amber called me a few minutes ago. How’re Amber and Andrew taking it? She sounded really upset.”

“Amber hates them right now. She came downstairs as they were telling me to get out. She’s stayin’ with Drew for a while. At least ‘til the par…they calm down. It’s hard to tell with Drew, but I don’t believe he likes it much either. He doesn’t like that Amber’s upset and she wants to stay with him.”

“I don’t blame her,” she looks at the light bruise on the side of my face, “Did…Katlin do that?”

I nod and she hugs me again, “It’s nothing, really. I’ll be fine Ali, you don’t need to worry.”

“Yes I will Jakie. You’re my best friend so I have to worry when something bad happens to you. You’d do the same for me so shut up and let me worry about you or I’ll kick your ass.”

I chuckle despite my sadness, “Thanks Ali.”

 

 

I spent much of that night staring off into space. Even Aaron could tell that I was still out of it. He managed to fall asleep in his usual position on me after a while of talking. Sleep wouldn’t come to me. I just laid there listening to him breathe and feeling his heartbeat against my hand. I really do love him. It’s almost ten o’clock in the morning when I finally feel tired. Aaron takes another day off from his stocks to tend to me. I have no desire to eat, I don’t even want to get out of bed. I still can’t believe this is affecting me this much. I knew they were going to do it, that’s why I went ahead and told them when I got home. I guess I wasn’t fully expecting their reactions or Amber coming into the room when she did. I knew mom, well, Katlin now, had a violent streak but she never showed it to us. Since I’m not her son anymore I guess she didn’t have a reason to hold back. I’m surprised she didn’t do more damage. I guess I have Andrew to thank for that, coming in when he did. At least it’s finally over. I don’t have to hide who I am anymore. And since I’m an adult now, my relationship with Aaron can be out in the open.

 

 

 

Aaron convinced me to take a trip to the beach after a week and a half of being cooped up in the apartment. I had no desire to go anywhere or do anything. Aaron let Julie know what was going on so work was covered. I can’t believe the entire time he’s been down here he’s never went to the beach. It’s good that he decided on this. I really needed to get out of the city. A three hour ride later we were digging our toes in the surf and letting the warm salty breeze clear our lungs of the city’s heavy, oppressive air. If I weren’t going to Winston City State in the fall, I’d suggest to Aaron that we move closer to the beach. The atmosphere’s much more calm and relaxed, the people not in a big hurry like they are in the city. It’s a great place. I’ll just have to get through college as fast as I can. I’ve thought about it a lot and decided that I’ll throw my hat into the professional arena of track and field. Since I’ll be studying art, I’ll be able to create some great works when I travel. Besides, with Aaron’s investing skills, I actually have a nice chunk of change to live off of. I still can’t believe in that amount of time he turned four thousand into almost six and a half million dollars, and it keeps growing. He gave Andrew a nine thousand percent return on his investment which allowed him to pay off his house that night they threw me out.

We stay at the beach until a few weeks before I start school. I’m sure getting used to college life will keep me from having bad memories of what happened before Aaron took me away. I know I have people here in Winston that care about me even if they don’t anymore. When we got back the first person that called me was Amber. She tells me that ‘those people’ as she calls Robert and Katlin wouldn’t let her stay with Andrew since he spends so much time working. He was promoted to senior detective on the force just before we left. It’s not like she can’t take care of herself actually. There were plenty of times during the summer when I was training that she actually stayed at the house by herself. When I found out that she was doing that she said that it was nice to have the house to herself. She could listen to music and work on design projects without interruptions. Amber wants to study graphic art and design when she goes to college. It’ll be her sophomore year in high school and I have a feeling she’s gonna get herself transferred to Miranda or get as many classes as she can over there so the guidance councilor can recommend that she transfers there. I hope they let her do it.

All Along the Watchtower rings as Aaron and I are in Marc’s looking over new releases, “Hey Ali, what’s up.”

“Hi Jakie, what cha doin’?”

“Aaron and I are at Marc’s. What are you up to?”

“Sweet! Me and Furie are almost there. Hey, why don’t we all go and get something to eat over at Stomp?”

“That sounds good.”

“Cool then you can tell us all about your trip to the beach.”

“Sure. We’ll see ya in a few.”

“K. Later.”

I end the call and look over at Aaron, “We’ve got a lunch date with Ali and Furie.”

“That’s nice. Where are we going?” he asks.

“They’re on their way here now. Ali suggested grabbing a bite at Stomp.”

“That sounds good. I’ll go pay for these,” Aaron heads to the counter as Ali and Furie walk in the door.

“Hi Aaron! Hi Jakie!” Ali calls out. Marc looks up from his stock inventory sheet and shakes his head. Ali’s never one to be quiet in his store.

“Hi you two,” I say walking over to her. She gives me a hug, “So when did you guys get back?”

“Last night. Amber must have some kind of telepathy cause as soon as we walked in the door she rung the phone.”

“That’s just because she misses her big brother,” Ali says wrapping her arm around Furie’s waist, “She was begging Andrew to take her to the beach the first week you guys were gone.”

“I’m surprised he didn’t cave in.”

“He couldn’t really, there were a lot of cases coming in and he was swamped with work. I guess being a senior detective means even more work.”

“Hello ladies,” Aaron says coming over to us.

“Hey there Aaron, you look pretty hot with a tan,” Ali said smiling. Furie cleared her throat, “Oh don’t worry babe, he’s nowhere near as hot as you,” she says before giving her a quick kiss on the lips.

“Thank you Ali. Are you ladies ready to go or did you want to look around some?”

“We can come back and do that. Let’s get some lunch.”

We head over to Stomp and spend a few hours there catching up on the past month. They were really happy to see me back to ‘some stage of normal’ as Furie calls it. We then part ways and head back to our apartment. My classes start the week after next so I need to get my books and whatnot. We get home and unwind from the day by listening to music followed by some much needed cuddle time.

The next morning I wake before Aaron. As usual, I’m his pillow. I listen to him breathe, I feel his heart beat beneath my hand. He told me while we were at the beach about the conversation he had with Andrew before the party they threw me last fall. Andrew told him that he was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. He’s right, he is. If he didn’t come into my life I don’t know where I’d be right now. I’d probably be coming to terms with my sexuality and hiding it from Robert and Katlin, or I might have slipped up and revealed it to them and staying with Ali and her parents. I could have been longing for someone from afar and not able to do anything about it because of their intolerance. I could have been lost. If it weren’t for Aaron coming up to me and asking for directions that day, I never would have known what it meant to truly love someone. I would have never met those beautiful ocean blue eyes and that head of shaggy blonde hair that is my heart and soul, the love of my life.

 

 

Six Years later:

“Congratulations shrimp,” I say handing her her graduation present.

“You can’t call me that anymore Jake, I’m taller than your man,” she replies taking the envelope. Yeah she finally grew some more during her last year in high school. She’s an even six foot tall. A lot has happened since I graduated high school. Sometime during her sophomore year, she got a hold transfer papers and forged Robert and Katlin’s signature. The transfer went through and she went to Miranda. Andrew got her a car for her sweet sixteen and that made it easy for her to get to school without having to alert ‘those people’ about where she was going. The problem came when they found out from someone she knew from Central that she transferred when they spotted Katlin at a bookstore one day and asked how Amber was doing at Miranda. When Amber got home that night, the shit hit the fan and hard. Robert called Andrew and told him to come get Amber. Amber was more than happy to leave. She barely stayed there anyway and they argued about something almost every night.

A few days after that Andrew went over and talked to them. He told them that he knew Amber forged their signatures. He also told them that both he and Amber knew that I was gay. That did not sit well with Katlin. She blamed the way Amber was acting on my influence. Then Andrew told them that he was filing to be Amber’s legal guardian. That’s when Katlin did something that even took Robert by surprise, she told Andrew to take her. Andrew couldn’t believe it himself when she said that. Katlin told him that she saw Amber one day hanging around a group of people and that she was quote ‘rubbing herself against some boy like a whore’ and that she didn’t want her in the house anymore. The night Andrew came to get her, Katlin said she was going to quote ‘throw the little whore out’; that my influence had corrupted her beyond help. That was the first time Andrew said he wanted to punch her when she called our sister a whore. Andrew didn’t even bother to acknowledge them the day they signed over rights and hasn’t talked to them since. Since she started living with Andrew permanently, she threw herself into her work. Miranda allowed her to graduate early and she took the extra time in college to obtain two degrees in visual arts and business management so she can open her own ad agency and studio.

As for myself, I got myself through school as fast as possible. I’m doing track and field on the professional level and traveling the world. In between meets I’m creating canvases of work for her to display. And of course Aaron’s been with me the entire time. He comes in handy when we’re in Europe and Asia as far as languages and customs go. He’s even teaching me some languages on the side…pillow talk mostly. I really do love this man.

“True, but you’re still shorter than I am so you’re still a shrimp,” I say smiling. She sticks her tongue out at me.

“I am not a shrimp!”

“You’re the shortest of the three of us Am, deal with it,” Andrew says walking up to us, Julie beside him. Yeah, she got over her dislike of dating members of law enforcement. Someone tried to rob the bookstore a few years back and Andrew just happened to be in the right place at the right time. When the person was taken away Julie was so relieved that she got up on the front counter and gave him a long thank you kiss. They’ve been together ever since.

“Screw you guys,” Amber says and we laugh. My joking is cut short when Aaron gets my attention.

“Jacob…”

I look at him and then in the direction he’s looking. There standing twenty feet away is the last person I’d ever thought I’d see today. Robert Tervan. The others take note of my silence and follow their gazes as well.

“What the hell is he doing here?” Amber says, her eyes narrowing. He comes a bit closer to us stopping about ten feet away.

“I mean no harm. I just wanted to say congratulations Amber,” he says. It’s been six years since I’ve seen him and he looks like he’s aged about fifteen, “I also wanted to say…I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, a lot of good that’s gonna do you now,” Amber replies. Andrew says nothing.

Robert sighs, his eyes look worn and weary, “I know that I haven’t been the best of a father to you the past couple of years-,”

“You stopped being my father the day you and that bitch threw out Jake,” Amber interrupts.

“And you stopped being mine when you let Katlin get away with calling your own flesh and blood a whore,” Andrew finally speaks, his voice cold.

“What?” Amber says turning to face Drew.

“A few days after they found out about your transfer I went over and talked to them. She said that Jake had corrupted you beyond help and that transfer was the last straw and that she was going to, what did she say Robert?” Drew says staring hard at him, “Throw the little whore out.”

“That fuckin’ bitch called me a whore?” she turns and faces Robert again. Robert nods dejectedly. Amber takes a step towards him, I grab her arm.

“What do you want,” I say to him.

He looks at me for a moment before he speaks, “I’ve come to realize that night we told you to leave, we didn’t loose one child, we lost three. It wears on a person, when people ask you how your children are doing and you can’t really tell them because you don’t know. It gnaws on you, wondering if your children are alright, if they’re happy. Yes, we are set in our ways, but over these short years…I’ve learned it’s just not worth it,” he steps closer to me, “Yes I am against homosexuality, but Amber was right. You’ve never done anything other than what was asked of you as a son. I let something that small take precedence over the fact that you were…are my son. A father should never do that to his child.”

“So why say all this now?” Amber says softly, “It’s not gonna change the fact that you hurt Jake really bad that night, both of you.”

“I know that now princess,” he says, “Being set in one’s ways tends to make one extremely stubborn. And when you’ve lived as long as I have, you don’t take into consideration that some things aren’t as bad as they used to be. Yes when I was younger, I was all gun-ho about my beliefs. But now that I’ve seen the other side of things, how it’s affected you, your relationship with Katlin, and your older brother, it’s just not worth it. When each of you were born and I held you for the first time, I made a promise to love and cherish you above anything else in this world. Anything…and I’ve broke that promise to all three of you with just that one act that night. I am so sorry.”  

“It’s not really me and Amber you owe the apology to,” Drew says.

“I know, but in the end it cost me all three of my children so I’m apologizing to all of you.”

“So where’s Katlin?” I ask.

“She, unfortunately, doesn’t see it that way. Given how she was raised, I can see how. Her parents were really strict. The things she went through to even go to college…I can’t imagine her changing her ways any time soon.”

 “But you said that you’re against homosexuality,” Amber says, “How is that changing your ways?”

“I am, but I love my son above anything else in this world. It’s a shame that Katlin couldn’t come to understand that.”

“Wait,” Drew says, “Something happened between you two, didn’t it.”

“I sat down with her a few days ago. I told her what I thought over these past six years and the promise I made to you three back then. She didn’t agree with me, that it was something that went far beyond a few words a new father would say to an infant who couldn’t comprehend them. So I packed some things and left. I meant it when I said anything, including her.”

The three of us are speechless.

“I know it’s a lot to take in given that so much is going on today, but…I want to ask for your forgiveness. If these years have taught me something, it’s patience. I am willing to wait as long as it takes for you three to forgive me, if that’s your choice. And if not, I will understand.”

There’s an air of silence around us for a short time, “I forgive you dad,” I say. Andrew and Amber smile and nod in agreement.

“…Thank you son.”

 

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